All about money as CRTC seeks "consumer input"

RELEASE -- At the Government of Canada's request, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will hold a public hearing on the implications and advisability of implementing a compensation regime for the value of local television signals. The hearing will begin on December 7, 2009, in Gatineau, Que. The CRTC is considering whether local television stations should be allowed to negotiate compensation from cable and satellite companies for their signals. "We are examining various facets of the Canadian broadcasting system as it adapts to an environment that is rapidly changing," said Konrad von Finckenstein, Q.C., Chairman of the CRTC. "We are discussing a number of regulatory changes with the industry to ensure the system's future health. It is important that consumers make their voices heard on the issues that affect them the most."